Under manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham have yet to find a clear sporting identity. Palhinha, valued for his defensive qualities, may not be a perfect fit for the dynamic, high-intensity system that Frank prefers. The Dane has doubts about whether Palhinha can play a key role in the team in the long term. The midfield partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur, in particular, is considered too defensive internally. Despite inconsistent form, Bentancur continues to enjoy the manager’s confidence, which further complicates Palhinha’s position.
Adding to the challenge is the intense competition in Spurs’ midfield. Young talents like Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are pushing for more playing time, and Pape Matar Sarr could also play a role after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Tottenham plans to nurture the development of these young players and is also considering signing another midfielder in January.
Another factor influencing Palhinha’s future is Spurs’ financial considerations. Although the transfer fee of around €30 million seems relatively moderate for an experienced Premier League player, Palhinha’s salary would place him among the highest earners in the squad. Tottenham are keen to control the club’s wage structure, which complicates the decision to make a permanent signing.